Professor Andre Terencio
Black Belt 5th Degree
André Fernando Alves Terencio is a distinguished tournament director and co-founder of Brazil-021 School of Jiu-jitsu, as well as the Brazil-021 Project, a non-profit organization. He also co-owns Brazil-021 Chicago. André has an extensive career as a referee, serving five years at FJJRio, the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu federation, and 15 years as the head referee at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). Currently, he is the head referee at Gracie Barra COMPNET Illinois and at PRIDE BJJ, where he also serves as the organizer in Chicago since 2019.
Main Achievements/Successes:
- Bronze medal at the 1997 Brazilian National Championship in the purple belt category
- Silver medal at the 1998 Roraima State Jiu-Jitsu Championship in the brown belt category
- Gold medal at the 2018 IBJJF Boston Open in the black belt, Master 3 Division.
Professor Hannette Staack
Black Belt 5th Degree
The most common are “Tin” and “Nette.” “Tin” is less common, used mainly by Hannette’s mother who was always coming up with little nicknames for her children. The second, “Nette,” was used because Hannette is an uncommon name, and it was difficult for her to introduce herself. Children, especially, grew to know her as Anette or Auntie Nette
Main Achievements/Successes:
- 3x Brazilian National Champion (2x Absolute)
- 7x World Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion
- World Champion (No-gi World Championship)
- 3x ADCC Champion (2x weight division, 1x absolute)
Professor Vinicius
Black Belt 1st Degree
Born and raised on Paquetá Island in Rio de Janeiro – Vinicius started grappling at an early age (11), with coaches Jenailton Silva and Thiago Sorriso. Two influential figures in the young Carioca’s upbringing.
Vinicius’ path towards professional jiu-jitsu was not unlike many others. He started early, worked hard, became a full-time athlete during his mid-teens, and gradually earned the rewards of his labor. What is indeed unusual about the Machine’s progress is that he has stayed with the same team from day 1, the team being Brazil 021.
Led by coach André Terêncio and Hanette Staack, the 021 team has grown leaps and bounds since its inception, a growth strongly supported by its talent hubs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Chicago, Illinois, U.S., the symbioses of which has carried “Machine” to the frontline of jiu-jitsu.
André and Hannette witnessed Silva’s growth first hand and saw great potential in Silva early on. With that in mind, in 2017 he decided to bring the young stud to the United States, exposing Machine to a new level of competition in events such as the World and the Pan American Championships as well as the professional setting of Fight 2 Win.
This “progressive loading” type approach has reaped plenty of benefits for the young Brazilian talent over these past few years. One of Vinicius’ breakthroughs took place at 2020 IBJJF No-Gi Pans where the featherweight conquered a venerable bronze medal. In 2021 he improved on his previous mark, competing as a brown belt, Vinicius took home a gold medal without a single point being scored against him throughout the tournament. A very impressive feat considering how talent dense the 149 lb division is.
Vinicius Machine Main Achievements:
Multiple times IBJJF OPEN CHAMPION
RANKED N° 1 FEATHER, BROWN BELT NOGI WORLD RANKING – IBJJF 2021
2021 – NOGI PAN AMERICAN CHAMPION
2021- THIRD PLACE AMERICAN NATIONAL GI AND NOGI
2020- NOGI PAN AMERICAN THIRD PLACE
2x – BRAZILIAN NATIONALS 2nd PLACE
1x – BRAZILIAN NATIONAL 3rd PLACE
Favorite Submission: FLYING TRIANGLE
Favorite Sweep: SPYDER GUARD SWEEP
Favorite Takedown / Throw: ANKLE PICK
Professor Sharon Gosun
Black Belt 2nd Degree
I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in early 2008 when my now husband gifted me a gi and a private lesson with Professor Hannette Staack. Since then, I have been training consistently with Brazil-021. Although I’ve always been more active than average, I never took athletics seriously enough to compete until jiu jitsu came along. Academic achievements were the priority in my family, and while athletic accomplishments were acknowledged, they were not emphasized.
When Professor Hannette offered me the opportunity to compete in jiu jitsu, I eagerly accepted. My first competition was the 2009 Pan American IBJJF tournament, where I earned a bronze medal. This was followed by a gold medal at the 2009 International Novice Open/World Championships.
Main Achievements/Successes:
- 2009 Pan American IBJJF Tournament: Bronze Medal
- 2009 International Novice Open/World Championships: Gold Medal
- Over the years, I’ve participated in many local and significant IBJJF competitions, accumulating a shoebox full of bronze, silver, and gold medals.
- 2017 Europeans: Gold Medal
- 2017 Worlds: Silver Medal
Favorite Techniques:
- Submission: Choke from the back
- Sweep: I have a couple of go-to moves from spider guard, though I don’t know their names.
- Takedown/Throw: Morote seoi nage, my first successful throw in competition.
This format emphasizes your progression in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, highlighting both your competitive spirit and key victories throughout your journey.
Favorite Submission: Choke from the back
Favorite Sweep: I don’t know the names but I have a couple go-to’s from spider guard
Favorite Takedown/Throw: Morote seoi nage, my first successful throw in competition
Professor John Thompson
Black Belt
John Thompson, a police officer, started training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in 2011 to get in shape and enhance his preparedness for use-of-force incidents on the streets. Now a black belt, John has found that BJJ not only keeps him fit but also significantly benefits his mental health, serving as a great source of stress relief.
Main Achievements/Successes:
- Achieved black belt status in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
- Utilizes BJJ training to maintain physical fitness and mental well-being.
- Applies BJJ techniques effectively in his role as a police officer.
Favorite Techniques:
- Submission: Kimura
- Sweep: Scissor sweep from guard
- Takedown: Hip throw
Favorite submission: Kimura
Favorite sweep: scissor sweep from guard
Favorite takedown: hip throw
